Breathing fresh air is one of these things you never realize how good it makes your lungs feel until you spend days and days inside underground tunnels. Oh, there is also the horizon, something I almost forgot what felt like, seeing land so distant…

"We finally did it, huh? And we can see Kavros from here, look at that." Says Mazurka, pointing to the agglomeration of green lights surrounded by some ruins

"I wasn't expecting it to look like this… It's beautiful. Why the lights are green?" I say, mesmerized by the view.

"Artificial plants that absorb sunlight during the day and expel it at night." Skelones says.

"That is amazing, I can't wait to see what else they have there." I say while touching the silver grass on the ground. The same kind of plant can be seen all the way to the city and beyond, reflecting the moonlight of the full moon, which only added to the calm, soothing vibe of the view.

"We should go, they have good food there." Morgus says. I can almost hear some enthusiasm in his voice, the man only shows the slight sign of having emotions when talking about food. I can't disagree though, I am would literally kill for a good meal and a comfy bed.

"How are we going to pay stuff by the way? We may have a few artifacts but I am not sure how much we can sell them for." I say.

"Simple, you make more, we sell them, profit!" Mazurka says.

I roll my eyes with a fake smile on my face, but the more I think about that… Yeah, It might actually work.

"Sure, why not? I mean, Skelones have lots of experience with sales, and I learned a few tricks from him too." I say

Finishing our rest, we get up and stride to the solar-powered city in the grasslands.

Just an hour later we arrive at the ruins surrounding the city, the reason they didn't try to expand here eludes me, maybe the city just hadn't enough growth yet.

"Those buildings used to be part of the city, but they got destroyed in past conflicts. Part of it is occupied by outcasts and people who can't afford a house inside. Let's try to avoid unwanted attention while we are here." Skelones says. Now that he mentions, these ruins don't look so ancient, the houses are made of wood, which means they can't be too old. Humans destroy things as quickly as they build them, no wonder so much knowledge was lost...

Walking through the ruins is not so hard, especially with the full moon up in the sky. Occasionally I see a campfire with people sleeping or looking weirdly at me, probably because I am not wearing rags, unlike my companions. At least my armor looks crude enough to avoid drawing too much jealous attention. Or maybe it is because we are armed, or the skull mask I am wearing... Who knows?

"We are here." Morgus says.

A ten-meter high wall stands to separate the city from the outside ruins. The only entrance I can see is a gate, two small towers on each side with a guard on top of them, armed with crossbows.

"So, how do we get inside?" I ask.

"Just tell we are refugees and we know Varia, house 34, cobalt street," Skelones says.

We approach the gate and the guard greets us.

"Halt! State your name and business." At least they aren't pointing their crossbows at us.

"We are refugees and we know Varia, house 34, cobalt street. My name Is Mazurka, these are Morgus and Kali." Mazurka says.

"From the valley? We weren't expecting people to get in here after so long. Any of those registered previously, Eric?" One of the guards says to someone behind him that we can't see, waiting for some response before getting back at us.

"Alright, you are clear to go, have a nice stay and pay a visit to The Ringos, where food is hot and beer is cold." He says with little enthusiasm in his voice. Could it be an ad? Of course, that kind of thing would survive the end of the world.

The gates open and we get in. Green lights shine from lampposts everywhere, it's an unusual color for city illumination but it does give some identity to it. Houses here are mostly built with wood, which is quite curious, considering there wasn't a single tree outside. Streets are big enough for us to walk side by side, but not too big, which means people here may not have any kind of vehicle, they would need larger streets for that.

"I am impressed. The houses seem well built, the streets are made of cobblestone, there is light and… what is that?" I say, pointing out to a stone sign with illuminated letters saying 'Blombo's medicinal shop'.

"They use runes for those." Mazurka says.

"Oh, right. Hey, Skelones. Didn’t you mention knowing someone named Varia? Should we head there?" I say.

"Yes, Varia is an old friend of mine. We may be able to rest there for a while, but we should rent a room at a tavern afterward. I will see If we can get a deal, don't worry.” Skelones says.

We aren't alone in the streets, there are quite a few people in front of bars and taverns or just walking around. My guess is the usage of night-lights changed the habits of the citizens, allowing for safer streets and even some late commerce it seems.

Someone walking on the streets bumps into me, taking off my balance for a moment, but Morgus holds me by my shoulder.

"Oh my, what a fool I am. Please excuse my behavior, I drank too much on this beautifully cold night." Says the stranger. I can't stop looking at his teeth while he is talking, they are bigger and sharper than… wait, his eyes are big too, his facial structure is different… Is he human? A quick glance wouldn't tell any difference but now I can see there is something very unfamiliar about his face.

"It's fine, have a huh… Good cold night." I say.

After a little while, Mazurka says "haven't you met a Vurti before?"

"No..." I say, she then explained to me they are a race of nocturnal humanoids that evolved being both predator and prey at the same time, they have a dark grey skin color to blend into the environment, as the regions around here seem to have grey tree trunks, silver grass and lots of rocks, it makes sense. Big eyes to see in the dark, sharp teeth to eat meat, and a facial structure that kinda reminds me of a cat is what separates them from humans. The city of Kavros was initially built by them too, so they made the night lights to allow people of other races to live along with them at night, which was key to the commerce and social integration. I wonder if there are more different beings around the world? Hopefully, in a city as big as this one, I will be able to find answers to some of my questions.

"Alright, here we are." Skelones says. In front of us is a house much like the others, but with metal flowers and leafs decorating the walls.

"Should I just knock?" I say.

"No, there should be a button there, push it." Skelones says, and so I push the button, causing a ding sound to resonate inside the house. A little while later the door opens, revealing a silver metallic creature with intricate decorations on its body, giving me the impression of watching a piece of art made by some highly skilled artist. The face of the droid in front of me is almost elvish in appearance with a mask made of silver, expertly decorated in a subtle yet mesmerizing way.

"Skelones? Is that you there?? No, wait. You are human under that mask… what…" Varia says.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

"Oh, I am here, Varia, I just lost a bit of weight, lots of exercises, you know?" Skelones says.

"You fucking careless piece of scrap metal! I told you to wait for me to gather a rescue team to go with you!" Varia says, using words that certainly contrast with the angelical impression I had before. Never judge a book by its cover…

"Well, have you had any success gathering it by now? You know how these folks in the city operate better than anyone, they take ages to make a decision, then there is the paperwork… I had to act quickly, had I not, these three wouldn't be here now." Skelones says.

The silver droid seems to mimic taking a deep breath, pausing for a little before speaking to us again. "Get in."

Inside the house, I see even more sculptures, all of them made by silver or maybe some other similar looking metal. Varia sits on a chair close to a table and motions us to sit down.

"Now, you know fixing you won't be easy, but we can arrange something temporary until we can build you a body. As for the three of you, everyone lived in the village?" Varia says.

"I lived there, briefly." I say.

"I assumed you were Skelones employee since you are wearing his mask… That idiot gives aways his identity so easy… Do you have any Idea of what a Mask used to mean for us?" Varia says.

"What? It would get dusty if no one used it. Besides, recycling keeps the world green you know?" Skelones says.

So, Varia probably used to live in the droid village with Skelones and was one of those who moved out. Maybe they had some sort of cultural thing with masks? If it was so important to Skelones, why he gave it to me? Suddenly I had an a epiphany:  Could it be the reason he gave me his mask was to hide my face? Lorati said people might be looking for me… And Mazurka figured out I was the one who used the teleportation device, so maybe other people know that too and asked questions about my looks to the villagers or the Aesirite…

"Kali, are you there?" Mazurka says while waving her hand in front of my face.

"Sorry, got lost in thoughts again." I say.

"We were just discussing the whole situation, Varia said we can stay at a tavern she owns for a while… But we may have to do something in return." Skelones says, and the conversation continues for a long time until Varia takes us to the mentioned tavern, giving us one room with three beds and a promise of a free meal when we wake up. Skelones decided to stay with Varia for the time being, they must have much to discuss I guess.

After they leave, I finally take off the armor, which leaves me feeling like I weigh as much as a feather now. The metal weighs too much, especially after wearing it for so long… my muscles are all sore. Good thing there is a bathroom with a shower in this room, so I turn on the water and let the cold liquid wash away the pain and sweat from my body. I fucking deserved this shower… and a bed too, it feels so nice to sleep in something soft…

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My body feels so heavy… Even opening my eyes requires tons of effort, but I think I slept enough already, Mazurka and Morgus seem to be awake for a while now.

“Good afternoon!” Mazurka says.

“Yeah… Good afternoon.” I mumble.

“Varia is waiting for you, I will get her.” Morgus says, leaving the room.

“I am going to take a shower first if you don’t mind.” I say

“Oh, didn’t you noticed we are no longer wearing rags? There are some clothes for you in the bathroom.” Mazurka says, spinning a little in her dress to show off. I really hadn't noticed, tired as I am.

After a quick shower I choose a plain black shirt and pants in a pile of folded clothes, something both practical, comfortable and that won't draw much attention. Leaving the bathroom, I find that Varia is waiting for me inside the room.

“There you are. We have much to discuss, come with me. Now.” Varia says, in a dry, imperative tone. I follow her to the basement, where the tavern supplies are stored.

“The other two, they know what you are?” Varia asks.

“Mazurka figured out, I don’t know anything about Morgus. Skelones told you everything?” I say.

“How would I know if what he told me is everything there is to know? Anyway, be careful with who you trust. Most droids won’t try to take you out, as we already have the ability to read the system, but anyone else is a possible threat to you. Here, use this and give me Skelones old mask.” Varia says, handing me a black mask, simple but elegant.

“It’s enchanted to stay on your face and has reduced weight as well. I was told you are an Artificer?” Varia says.

“Yes, I got the specialization some time ago. Do droids have specs as well?” I say.

“We have. Artificers are a weird bunch, they are good with enchanting and fighting but not with crafting itself. You see, to unlock the true potential of an artifact, you have to pay attention to the design and materials used. Why people use metal for weapons and armor if one could just get a light wood and enchant it to be supremely hard?” Varia says.

“I noticed using stones and wood wasn't the same as metal but that seemed to change according to the enchantment.” I say.

“True, each enchantment has preferred materials. There is something called Arcane conductibility, think of it as electrical or heat conductibility but about magic. All metals are good magic conductors, Iron included. The thing is, Iron conducts magic in chaotic ways. Choosing the right metal for the right enchantment is fundamental, remember that, Artificer.” Varia says.

“I really appreciate the information, but why are you telling me all that now?” I say.

“Because you are going to work for me.” Varia says.

“Ah… Alright, I suppose it's the least I can do since you are letting us stay here.” I say.

“I will provide you with supplies and you give me the products. You will be fairly compensated, of course. I also have a job for the other two. It’s not every day three skilled people knock on my door, you see.” Varia says

“I see. Hey, I have a question. I have full affinity with two runes, but the system says I can only attune to one of them, how I change that?” I say.

“So, we droids can't attune to anything, really. but you should be able to attune to two or more at the same time with practice. You can change the attunement easily, just meditate thinking about the rune of your choice or something. You won’t be able to change it again for some time after doing it. Now, I don’t have to tell you to avoid being seen without the mask, right? If you have to eat, you can move the lower part of the mask, like this.” Varia says, showing how the mask works before I put it on. It feels as if I am wearing nothing at all, I can breathe, see, and move as easily as before. Afterward, we leave the basement and part ways, and I go grab my free meal with the receptionist, who looks exactly like a human, but the eyes are clearly artificial, faint green light comes from them, similar to Skelones eyes. Maybe this is the normal-looking droid Skelones used to talk about? They were made to look like humans in the past, but some such as Skelones and Varia decided to have a more unique look as part of their identity.

“So, here is the menu.” The receptionist says.

“I will take some bread, eggs, fruits and juice please,” I say, choosing what I think would be most nutritional in the menu, eating badly for so long probably left me lacking some vitamins.

To eat, I move down the lower part of the mask, which makes a very subtle click. Mazurka joins me with her own plate of food.

“That mask looks good. You know I can’t see your eyes while you are wearing it?” Mazurka says.

“Really? I wasn't aware of that, I guess Varia didn’t tell me about all of the enchantments here.” I say.

With a full belly, I get back to our room and spend the rest of the day resting, feeling a little ill. It's probably just exhaustion, my body went through lots of fighting and walking lately so this must be it’s a way of telling me to stay put. It doesn't take too long until tiredness takes me and I fall asleep again.

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A loud knock on the wooden door awakes me from my slumber. Who could it be this early in the morning? I get up from my bed and find the other two empty. I grab the mask to wear it but… it's already on my face. The thing is so natural to the touch that I forgot I was wearing it, but I should at least wear the Hood of Attraction to hide my shaved hair, just to be sure. Alright, time to open it.

"Oh, Varia. Good Morning." I say to the silver droid waiting impatiently outside the room.

"Still sleeping? How much can someone sleep?. Anyway, come with me." Varia says.

"Can you wait for me to shower first?" I say.

"Alright, but be quick, the others are already there." Varia says.

I take a quick shower and afterward we get out of the tavern. The streets have almost the same amount of people this early as it had at night. We walk in the direction of the center until we stop at the shop called "Varia's Emporium of Mysteriously Magical Goods"

"So, it's here. We are going to open from midday to midnight, this way we have more customers from all cultures." Varia says, then motioned me to enter. "I guess you won't have any issues working here, it should be similar to Skelones old shop."

The place is actually a mess. Lots of boxes all around, dust to clean and the smell of a house no one visited in ages. On the balcony, Morgus was cleaning the dust with a humid cloth. Mazurka came from one of the doors of the store, probably the warehouse as she is carrying yet another box for us to organize.

"This is it, be quick you two, we have to open soon. As for you, Kali, your workplace will be in the warehouse, I want you to replicate some simple Artifacts, Gleen will be responsible for crafting what you request of him, you are free to create new Items instead of copying if you think they will sell. You may also make something for you, just don't waste much of the material and focus on the sales." Varia says.

From the same door Mazurka came from, A creature with 6 mechanical needle-like legs walked to the store. Two tiny arms in the front and a familiar Skull mask in the face of the mechanical being.

"It's me, Spiderlones!" Skelones says.

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